An inexorable push to expand casino gaming is gaining momentum in Florida.

Seeking to lure high-rolling "whales" to Las Vegas-style destination-resort casinos in Miami and Broward County, promoters are betting that the 2012 Legislature will go along for the ride.

Amid the state's search for jobs, gamblers are getting a more friendly reception from lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott has said he would support casinos as long aslocal voters approve.

"I think we need to make sure the local communities are supportive of it," he said. "We ought to have a vote.''

Can a solar-power company make a go of it in Florida without burning up Solyndra-style?

National Solar Power CEO James Scrivener, in an exclusive interview with Sunshine State News, said, "Two years ago, people were laughing at our business model. Now they're looking to invest. We see this as a revolution in the marketplace."

Long before Solyndra Corp's financial collapse -- and the "green" energy company's attendant default on a $535 million federal loan guarantee -- renewable-energy ventures have struggled Florida.

A shrewd vendor could have turned a quick profit selling Herman Cain T-shirts after the Georgia businessman scored his stunning straw poll victory in Orlando on Saturday.

Question is, will Republicans be wearing them when Florida holds its presidential primary next year?

Cain may have Andrew Breitbart to thank for stirring up the Presidency 5 convention. The fiery Saturday morning speech by the conservative commentator and controversial news aggregator fueled an anti-establishment fervor that culminated in Cain, the ultimate outsider, grabbing 37 percent of the P5 vote.

Three lessons learned from the Florida Republican Party's straw poll: